A Strong History of Missionary Work

Jesus said to the apostles, “What I have said to you in whispers, you are to proclaim from the housetops.” This is good news for the Mission Office and the people of God in the Diocese of La Crosse. Your commitment to the efforts of the Catholic Church announcing the name of Jesus Christ in all corners of the world by word and action should be proclaimed far and wide. May God be praised in all you have helped accomplish. Please take a moment to see the circular chart showing the support given in the Fiscal Year July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017, through World Mission Sunday, the Mission Co-op Program and other donations, including the diocesan mission, Casa Hogar, Peru. Further details
and individual parish contributions are available on the Mission Office website.

As we celebrate our Sesquicentennial in the Diocese of La Crosse, our history gives witness to the local missionary spirit. Every generation has responded to God’s call to pray, sacrifice and give. Msgr. Anthony Wagner, a renowned Mission Office director during the early years, was known for his zeal in supporting the mission of the Catholic Church. At the end of each month, he would empty his personal checking account of all but what was essential to his daily needs in the month to come.

Then, he would join his funds to those of donors from around the diocese and send them where they were needed most. His prayer and witness inspired a strong commitment in the hearts of many Catholics who could not be in the missionary field. Father Joe Walijewski, on the other hand, was happiest in the trenches. Hearing of poverty and struggle among the people of South America, he responded by offering his life to the development of a parish and an orphanage among the stricken people. Today, Santa Cruz Parish, Bolivia, and Casa Hogar, Peru, are testaments to his obedience to God and the support he received from the people of our diocese.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the mission received from the Father and handed on to us by His Son. May the Holy Spirit reward you for your prayers, your labors of love and your generous gifts for the Propagation of Faith in our world.

By Rev. Woodrow H. Pace, Mission Office Director

The Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) was founded in 1843 on the combined efforts of Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson and Pauline Jaricot. The bishop of Nancy, France, had learned much as a missionary in North America. Later, after meeting with Pauline in Lyon, a program was begun to promote “children helping children.” The goal was to raise awareness and charitable giving among the children of Europe in order to promote the gifts of faith and salvation among the children of North America, China and mission areas around the world. In light of our diocesan Sesquicentennial, we are renewing our commitment to the MCA through the Mite Box Collections in our Catholic schools and religious education programs. Let us work together to inspire faith in our children, as they serve children in need with the love of Jesus. Look for more information as Lent approaches.